Remote voiceover recording is part of the everyday life of voiceover artists and media production companies worldwide. It’s a game-changer that has been accelerated by COVID lockdowns of 2020/21. Back in the day, it was all about schlepping to a fancy city studio. Now, thanks to the wonders of technology, we’re doing things a bit differently. So let’s dive into the world of recording from your own gaff.

Remote Recording – It’s a Whole New Ballgame
Honestly, the remote voiceover recording revolution is brilliant. It’s opened up a whole world of opportunities for us lot in the voice over game. We can work from pretty much anywhere with a decent internet connection, a mic in a decent environment, and a bit of know-how. The technology of recent years has truly changed the voice over landscape.
Remote Recording Session – How Does It Work Then?
A remote voiceover recording session basically means that the voice actor is in one location, and the client, producer, or engineer might be somewhere else entirely. It could be the other side of the room or the other side of the world! Geography plays very little part in voice over production these days, you just have to get your head around timezones!
GMT to MST Converter – Convert Greenwich Time to Mountain Time – World Time Buddy
Connect – It’s All About Staying Connected
The key to making this all work is being able to connect effectively. We’re not just talking about a decent broadband connection either. We’re talking about platforms and software that enable seamless real-time collaboration. You need to be able to hear each other clearly, as if you were in the same room. It makes the whole session run smoother.
Source Connect – The Big Daddy
Source Connect is probably the most well-known platform for remote voiceover recording, and for good reason. It’s pretty much the industry standard. It allows for crystal-clear audio quality, as if you’re recording in the same studio. There are various versions of Source Connect, such as Standard, Pro, and Pro X, each offering different levels of functionality for different recording session requirements.
Other Tools for Remote Voiceover Recording – Beyond Source Connect
Source Connect might be top dog, but it ‘s not the only option. There are other options, such as ipDTL, which also works on a browser, and also connects to ISDN. There is also ConnectionOpen, which is a platform designed specifically for remote audio recording. This is a popular choice amongst clients and voice actors. There’s also tools like:
- Cleanfeed: Another browser-based option. A top contender and really gaining traction in the industry, Cleanfeed is perfect for recording voice overs for clients who are on a budget.
- Zoom, Skype or Google Meet: Also free to use, these are simple to connect to I’d only really recommend them to enable remote direction with the audio being captured locally and then sen through after the session.
- Phone Patch: It’s not as common now, but you can still do a phone patch to direct a session. It’s a bit old-school, but it works. This is how the client can connect to the voice actor during the session.
The great thing is, there is remote voiceover recording software to suit everyone’s needs and budget, including several options that are free to use.
Here’s another that I often use with European media production houses: SessionLinkPRO – Professional far end recording through your web browser – more than an ISDN replacement / ISDN alternative!
Directing voice actors remotely
Even though you’re not in the same room, it’s still vital to have clear direction during a recording session. That’s where the software comes in handy. Being able to direct a voice actor in real-time is essential. You need to be able to give feedback, make adjustments, and ensure you’re getting exactly what you need for your project.
Audio – It’s All About the Sound Quality
Obviously, audio quality is paramount. Using a decent quality microphone and interface, coupled with solid software, is essential. You also need a good pair of headphones to listen back to your work. These are the absolute basics but good enough to get going. Serious and committed voice actors that this investment a little further. Mine is custom built and works as a dedicated voiceover studio in Cambridge offering class-leading audio quality and connecting globally.
Talent Still Matters in Remote Voiceover Recording
Technology is brilliant, but let’s be honest, it’s the actor who brings the script to life. All the fancy software in the world won’t make up for a lack of talent. You still need a skilled voice actor who can deliver the performance you’re looking for.
Remote Collaboration
It’s easier than ever to edit the voice recording in real-time with modern remote tools. With remote collaboration, the editor can be on the other end of the connection, listening in and making sure the audio is of good quality. The producer can also listen in to make sure the voice actor is taking direction well, and that the performance is as it should be.
Final Thoughts
The world of remote voiceover recording is constantly evolving. New tools and platforms are emerging all the time, making it even easier to create high-quality audio from anywhere in the world. It’s an exciting time to be a voice actor, that’s for sure. The opportunities are endless.
25+ years experience in commercials, e-learning, corporate narration, documentaries, and character voices. I bring your vision to life with a voiceover that captures attention.